Welcome! Gmltw is a new member~

[Dyllea]

Gmltw is a new member, though he hasn't yet edited his personal
profile. He did provide us with a link where he shares a little about
himself and his current connection to paganism. Please take a minute
to visit: http://community.beliefnet.com/gmltw

Welcome Gmltw, we are a small but growing pagan group who seek to
share ideas and opinions. Hopefully our members can respond to your
questions, feel free to address individuals or the group if you like,
we are all here for the same reason. All discussions are open, but
please use good judgement in all correspondence. Rules are simply that
we keep an open mind and heart, and respect other ideas and beliefs
even when you do not agree.

I know folks have been busy recently, vacations, selling home and
preparation to move, but I encourage everyone to briefly welcome
Gmltw.

We look forward to seeing your profile so we can get to know you
better!

Blessed be~

Magickwyrd

[gmltw]

Thank you for the warm welcome.

I attempted to update my Google profile but it seems they don't give
you a lot of room for your profile. So I started a blog. This is
something I have been wanting to do for years (not blog but write my
story) and since I had already written a sort of introduction as to
who I am religiously I thought I might as well use it. If you would
like to have a read you can find it here http://gary-morris.livetheword.info/
. I welcome any comments and insight.

Gary

[Dyllea]

No worries, I know the profile option is limited. So, do you use any
other nickname? If not, that's ok, I'm sure your ID has a special
meaning.

Can you please share with us anything you might like to know more
about?

Thanks~

On Jul 6, 1:11 pm, gmltw <gml...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Thank you for the warm welcome.
>
> I attempted to update my Google profile but it seems they don't give
> you a lot of room for your profile. So I started a blog. This is
> something I have been wanting to do for years (not blog but write my
> story) and since I had already written a sort of introduction as to
> who I am religiously I thought I might as well use it. If you would

> like to have a read you can find it herehttp://gary-morris.livetheword.info/

> . I welcome any comments and insight.
>
> Gary
>
> On Jul 5, 2:47 am, Dyllea <magickw...@msn.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> > Gmltw is a new member, though he hasn't yet edited his personal
> > profile. He did provide us with a link where he shares a little about
> > himself and his current connection to paganism. Please take a minute
> > to visit:http://community.beliefnet.com/gmltw
>
> > Welcome Gmltw, we are a small but growing pagan group who seek to
> > share ideas and opinions. Hopefully our members can respond to your
> > questions, feel free to address individuals or the group if you like,
> > we are all here for the same reason. All discussions are open, but
> > please use good judgement in all correspondence. Rules are simply that
> > we keep an open mind and heart, and respect other ideas and beliefs
> > even when you do not agree.
>
> > I know folks have been busy recently, vacations, selling home and
> > preparation to move, but I encourage everyone to briefly welcome
> > Gmltw.
>
> > We look forward to seeing your profile so we can get to know you
> > better!
>
> > Blessed be~
>

> > Magickwyrd- Hide quoted text -
>
> - Show quoted text -

[gmltw]

LOL, No, my ID doesn't really have any special meaning. It's my
initials (GM) and the first few letters of one of my original websites
called Live The Word which I later created a business and called the
business LTW Contracting so my user name ended up being gmltwc.
Nothing that special, just kind of plain and boring out of necessity
and simplicity. I really don't have a nick name as of yet and I
couldn't help but notice all of the cool and meaningful nicknames that
so many have. I think that I will have to think about a meaningful
name and maybe as time goes on and others get to know me better a nick
name will emerge. Until then it is fine if I am called Gary or gmltwc
or whatever is easy as long as I know it's me that's being referred
to. :)

I would like to know more about where Pagans draw their beliefs from
the most. I have noticed that there are rituals and that some (if not
all) believe in Gods and Goddesses and Sabbats (not sure how to spell
that) and other things that I would like to know more about but I
don't know where to start. I know practically nothing about Paganism.
I don't know where I might remotely fit in in this whole religion. I
don't know if I believe closer to Wiccans, Druids, Neo-Pagans, or
what. Most likely some of the names I just mentioned are not even
separate from each other. Basically, how can I learn more about where
I belong in this community.

I have experienced first hand many different facets of the
supernatural and I believe that if I knew how to use the gifts given
me that I could actually do something with them. I have experienced
sight in my sleep ( I knew when someone was approaching me and could
see them although my eyes were closed and I was mostly asleep.) I have
prayed for someone and they have been healed instantly. I have prayed
for God's help in a situation were I needed a tool to complete my task
and it was a tool that I had lost the day before several hundred miles
from where I was and God (or someone, something ) made it appear so
that I had the tool. I have felt the power of God like a bolt of light
and fire come down from the heavens through the top of my head and out
of my mouth like fire to consume and purify the lies of a "man of God"
who was teaching lies. I have experienced many more things that I
don't have time to write down at this moment but I think this is
enough to hopefully help someone give me direction. I am not saying
all of these things to boast or say look at me. I only say these
things hoping that this may sound like I should search or study in one
particular place or another and maybe someone with experience can
point me in the direction to learn.

I would be happy to answer any questions in the pursuit of the path
that I should follow.


Thank you,


Gary

[Dyllea]

Hi Gmltw,

Thank you for sharing Gary, it’s interesting that you have already
experienced opening your spiritual energies in “Live the Word”. I’ve
found some people start with shared ideals and experiences in an
online blog or web-journaling. It’s how we sometimes reach out to find
like-minded truth-seekers. When you think differently than the herd,
it can be difficult to find another who has spotted the
inconsistencies and is also looking for the truth.

Nicknames are fun, and after awhile maybe we will find a moniker for
you if you like.

You asked about where pagans draw their beliefs from, and the answer
is open-ended.

In my experience, pagan beliefs rise from within. They do not rely on
the beliefs of others, meaning that a pagan does not always follow a
particular path- unless it is of their own choosing. A pagan prefers
to remain free to self-assess any path at any time. Pagans are
typically self-reliant, they are not looking for a guide to take them
to places like Heaven or Hell, Olam Haba, or to teach them about Sin,
Nirvana, or how to battle Satan. These are man-made ideals and faith-
based promises developed for the most part by men. These fath-based
origins are likely related to gaining prestige and/or power within a
social group. Pagans typically do not aknowledge manmade religious
beliefs, including a savior, saints, holy spirits, or satan. In fact,
pagans do not believe in faith-based doctrines because men who claim
“divine favor, or inspiration directly from God” created them. There
are many religions that are based on the words of men “inspired by
God”, who claim to know the only truth. It is typical for pagans to
question “manmade truth”.

Pagans accept the truth than their own minds and bodies tell them.
Pagan faith is consistent with the built-in consciousness that is part
of the human spiritual condition. Most pagans understand that we are
spiritual beings living a temporary human existence. It is easy to
recognize that many people have lost or denied their connection to the
universal existence, and instead they reply on a worldly guide, like
their pastors, priests, rabbis, the various imams, etc...

Please note that pagans do not force our faith in ourselves on anyone,
we do not recruit, we do not condemn other beliefs. We do not profess
to have “divine favor, and our works are not “inspired by God”. What
we do is respect that there is a “universal spiritual presence”, and
we offer thanks for the blessings of spiritual energies… that which
generates life, and maintains the universe that we exist within. We
see the female aspect as spiritual energy, since the universe uses the
feminine body to generate life, and we see the male aspect as the
material balance that maintains our continued existence. It is a
simple truth that has not failed to produce tangible result. We are
within ourselves, god and the universe, in a spiritual connection.
Only our bodies connect us to our human condition.

Paganism from a Western perspective, often refers to spiritualist,
animistic or shamanic practices or beliefs. Polytheism is typical,
meaning a belief in various gods.

Pagans often prefer to venerate the feminine spirit, and may favor
feminine attributes in our ritual works. The Goddesses that pagans
embrace have specific identities. They exist in almost every faith, it
is not the names but rather their personal characteristics that are
recognized in pagan devotions and rituals. I’ll give you a couple
examples:

Diana is known for her hunting prowess, a Goddess of strength and
chastity, associated with woodlands and animals. Classical Greek

Gaia is primordial, like the earth, she is an earth mother Goddess.
Classical Greek

Isis, patron of nature and magic, she is the “Ideal Mother”, part of a
union with her husband/brother Osiris and their conceived son Horus.
Egyptian deity

Maat, Goddess personification of truth, law, morality and justice.
Maat was said to have set the order of the universe from chaos at the
moment of creation. Egyptian deity

Triple Goddess, held in particular reverence, she is the
personification of “Maiden, Mother, and Crone”. These are life aspects
of the feminine spirit, and are found in devotion throughout the
world. The Irish Brighid and her two sisters; The Norse “Norms”, or
Wyrd; the “Three Fates” from the Greek. Polytheistic.

There are Gods to venerate, they are more related to materialistic
levels. The Horned God who is represented by a Stag, and is a potent
element on earth.
European

Arawn and Gaul, hunter Gods, protectors of the forest and keepers of
wild animals.
Welsh and Irish

Poseidon, Earth and Sea, a God who ruled with power, able to cause
earthquake, sudden springs, drownings and shipwrecks. Classical Greek

Sky-Gods and Sun-Gods, Earth and Sea, all Gods seem to relate to
powerful manifestations and “acts of God” that are tangible, creative
and destructive.

Well, that at least gives you something to start with, and you must
remember that I am not an authority on all pagans, as I said, this is
open ended. Paganism is most like “all things are possible that can be
manifest within a spiritual existance”. It can be earthy, modern,
altruistic, faith-based, shamanic, animistic, polytheiistic, and more.

Of note: Wiccans have a rede, “Do as you will, so long as it harms no-
one”. With a theory behind this, “what you give, you receive three-
fold”. These concepts simply mean we are free spirits who are
socially responsible. To remain spiritually clean we behave with
respect and trust. Those who behave irresponsibility to another’s
detriment will receive 3X the cause of distress, in return for their
disregard.

Blessed be~

MagickWyrd

[gmltw]

Thank you MagicWyrd,

On Jul 14, 7:47 pm, Dyllea <magickw...@msn.com> wrote:
> Hi  Gmltw,
>
> Thank you for sharing Gary, it’s interesting that you have already
> experienced opening your spiritual energies in “Live the Word”. I’ve
> found some people start with shared ideals and experiences in an
> online blog or web-journaling. It’s how we sometimes reach out to find
> like-minded truth-seekers.

I guess that is why I am here and why I started that blog.

When you think differently than the herd,
> it can be difficult to find another who has spotted the
> inconsistencies and is also looking for the truth.

That's for sure!

>
> Nicknames are fun, and after awhile maybe we will find a moniker for
> you if you like.

I would be honored to receive a moniker. I am sure that someday
something will happen or something will be said that will get me my
name. LOL

>
> You asked about where pagans draw their beliefs from, and the answer
> is open-ended.
>
> In my experience, pagan beliefs rise from within. They do not rely on
> the beliefs of others, meaning that a pagan does not always follow a
> particular path- unless it is of their own choosing. A pagan prefers
> to remain free to self-assess any path at any time. Pagans are
> typically self-reliant, they are not looking for a guide to take them
> to places like Heaven or Hell, Olam Haba, or to teach them about Sin,
> Nirvana, or how to battle Satan. These are man-made ideals and faith-
> based promises developed for the most part by men. These fath-based
> origins are likely related to gaining prestige and/or power within a
> social group. Pagans typically do not aknowledge manmade religious
> beliefs, including a savior, saints, holy spirits, or satan. In fact,
> pagans do not believe in faith-based doctrines because men who claim
> “divine favor, or inspiration directly from God” created them. There
> are many religions that are based on the words of men “inspired by
> God”, who claim to know the only truth. It is typical for pagans to
> question “manmade truth”.

This is certainly me.

I tend to think that the christian religion was mostly about
controlling the populous. They created so many safeties to insure that
if someone didn't follow one thing or another that it was going to
mean "eternal damnation". Basically scare tactics to control the
masses.

>
> Pagans accept the truth than their own minds and bodies tell them.
> Pagan faith is consistent with the built-in consciousness that is part
> of the human spiritual condition. Most pagans understand that we are
> spiritual beings living a temporary human existence. It is easy to
> recognize that many people have lost or denied their connection to the
> universal existence, and instead they reply on a worldly guide, like
> their pastors, priests, rabbis, the various imams, etc...

This is something that I came to understand early in life. Everyone is
born with that consciousness.

I find that people tend to try to escape responsibility for their
actions in many cases. You know, the devil made me do it. God told me
to do it.

>
> Please note that pagans do not force our faith in ourselves on anyone,
> we do not recruit, we do not condemn other beliefs.

Although many years ago it was supposed to be my duty to entice others
to follow the path I was following I never felt like it was the right
thing to do and it was a struggle for me to do it. I never had a
problem sharing with others my journey and was excited to do so but it
never felt right to try and make others accept it as their own path.

> We do not profess to have “divine favor, and our works are not “inspired by God”. What
> we do is respect that there is a “universal spiritual presence”, and
> we offer thanks for the blessings of spiritual energies… that which
> generates life, and maintains the universe that we exist within.

This I can do and I am definitely thankful.

> We see the female aspect as spiritual energy, since the universe uses the
> feminine body to generate life, and we see the male aspect as the
> material balance that maintains our continued existence.

OK, now this is new to me. Could you elaborate on this a bit more.

> It is a simple truth that has not failed to produce tangible result.

In what way, could you share a little more.

>We are within ourselves, god and the universe, in a spiritual connection.
> Only our bodies connect us to our human condition.

This I understand and agree.

>
> Paganism from a Western perspective, often refers to spiritualist,
> animistic or shamanic practices or beliefs. Polytheism is typical,
> meaning a belief in various gods.
>
> Pagans often prefer to venerate the feminine spirit, and may favor
> feminine attributes in our ritual works. The Goddesses that pagans
> embrace have specific identities. They exist in almost every faith, it
> is not the names but rather their personal characteristics that are
> recognized in pagan devotions and rituals. I’ll give you a couple
> examples:

Could you share a little more about this. Why do you do this? What
course of events led you to believe that the Gods/Goddesses wanted or
delighted in ritual works in their honor. Please don't take this
question the wrong way. I am not asking you to defend your beliefs or
anything like that. I really only want to understand all aspects of
Paganism and this is one I know nothing about. I have never been
compelled to pray to a God or Goddess (that I was aware of anyway).
That is most likely because I never considered them to be anyone that
could or would help me because of my background. Not because I don't
believe in them (though my belief in them at this point in my journey
is probably different than yours), I just have nothing to base or
begin a belief in them from.

Thank you I really appreciate you and Chessie taking the time to write
me. I know how long it takes me to put my thoughts together and it
means a lot when others take the time as well.


Gary